Carers Week 2022: The care our members give
Did you know that some housing associations in Wales provide specialist care services for older people and those with disabilities? To mark Carers Week (6-12 June), we are casting a spotlight on how our members work to provide suitable accommodation and support to people, to help them live independently.
Being a non-profit social care provider is an important part of some housing associations’ mission, and a way to contribute to their local communities. While only a few of our members - Linc Cymru, Pobl, ClwydAlyn, Hafod and Caredig - currently provide specific social care services, all housing associations play a key role in supporting the health and wellbeing of residents.
Like any other care provider, housing associations that provide these services are regulated and inspected by Care Inspectorate Wales. These services can include care homes and nursing homes, as well as care provided in a home environment such as domiciliary care and supported living.
CHC’s role in influencing social care policy changed significantly through the Covid-19 pandemic, as member housing associations’ need for support around key issues such as emergency funding, PPE and testing became particularly acute. We continue to contribute to conversations on challenges such as workforce pressures, and opportunities like the Real Living Wage.
We actively support and advocate for social care-providing members in the following ways:
We facilitate a care and support network, giving members a space to discuss and share ideas as well as direct access to key Welsh Government officials.
We are part of the National Provider Forum (NPF), a coalition of social care provider representative bodies including Cymorth Cymru and Care Forum Wales. This allows us to work in partnership and amplify our key calls and messages to decision makers.
We meet regularly with Welsh Government officials to discuss specific social care issues, both as CHC and as a member of the NPF.
We are working closely with partners to ensure that national staffing level, fee rate and running cost challenges are addressed by the Welsh Government, including under its plans to introduce a ‘National Care Service’.
To discuss housing associations’ care and support services, or CHC’s work in this area, please contact Sarah Scotcher.